The Annual Double Decker Race is Back After Two Years

By Anna Kate Boyd

Journalism Student

The 25th Anniversary of the Double Decker Spring Run consisted of nearly 2,000 total runners. 

This past Saturday, citizens of Oxford and out-of-town guests gathered at the YMCA around 7 AM to kick off their weekend by running a 5K,10K, or the kid’s fun run. 

This is the first time in 25 years the race was held at the YMCA, a nonprofit organization that partnered with the Oxford and Layfette Chamber of Commerce on this event for the host location. 

Pam Swain, Director of the Double Decker spring run, stated that every registration fee goes to the YMCA, and participating in the race is a great way to give back to the community. 

“It’s important for us to give back to those types of organizations. So a nonprofit giving to another nonprofit is just a win-win situation. So they can rest assured that supporting our race is going to the quality of this community, keeping Oxford the way it is.”

This is the biggest fundraiser of the year, and the mission of the Chamber of Commerce is to continue to provide opportunities that support the growth of Oxford. 

“We encourage visitors to start their Saturday by participating in the run because it’s a healthy way to get involved within the community and to experience the historical side of Oxford,” Swain said. 

Members throughout the LOU community said the best way to start their weekend of fun and festivities is to run the doubledecker race, and some even considered it the peak of their day. 

Cameron Glaser, a University of Mississippi Alum, stated that being able to do the race was memorable because it gave him a new look at a place he had always known.

“Being able to run through campus and through the grove and through their square was a fun experience, and I have run through it before, but being able to do it in such a big group for an event like this was a ton of fun. ” 

Over the past 25 years, the Double Ducker Spring Run participation rate has grown from 200 runners to 2,000, and the main reason for the growth is civilian-centered improvements. 

“Counting to grow those efforts so that all those people who come and participate in this wonderful group event get the best experience possible, that’s our goal each year,” said Swain. 

The Chamber of Commerce also polls its runners each year to get feedback on what should continue or change.

“We just encourage people to come back in 2023. We will be celebrating 26 years, and we will continue to listen to our runners and make the experience the best it can possibly be for everybody who participates,” said Swain. 

If you plan on running the race next year, you can expect the race to have a completely different course. 

For more information regarding the Double Decker Spring run or view the results, visit Race Roster.